The Fourth Period: The Kings have shown interest in forwards: Matt Moulson, Thomas Vanek, Mike Cammalleri and Ray Whitney. On the blueline they have shown interest in: Andrew MacDonald, Henrik Tallinder and Dan Girardi. Multiple sources saying they even discussed a deal with Islanders involving both Vanek and MacDonald. The Islanders are looking for a 1st round pick or top prospect in a Vanek deal, and a defenseman and high draft pick for MacDonald. This is thought the Islanders had interest in Kings defenseman Alec Martinez earlier this year.

The Fourth Period: The Red Wings are looking for a veteran defenseman, but GM Ken Holland isn’t looking to give up top prospects or draft picks.

“What’s the expense of the rental,” Holland asked MLive. “When you’re one point up on the last playoff spot it’s hard to trade a top prospect or a first-round draft pick to rent a player.

“At the same time we’re always looking to upgrade. If there’s a hockey trade out there — I call a hockey trade a trade that affects your team going into next season – I’m obviously open to it.”

The Wings have spoken to the Canucks in the past about Alex Edler, and could have some interest in Christian Ehrhoff.

“I think this time of year you’re always looking for defensemen, but obviously there’s a lot of teams looking for defensemen,” Holland said. “We’ll see. It depends on what’s available. I don’t see us playing a big price on a rental. I don’t believe that’s the direction we should go but you never know when you get to Wednesday.”

Thomas Vanek: Risk – “doesn’t do much in terms of puck possession.” Reward – “does a lot in terms of scoring.”

Ryan Miller: Risk – “is 33 years old, and, for goalies, that is near the end of the line.” Reward – “would be a candidate for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s best goaltender, if he played for any other team.”

Martin Brodeur: Risk – “Compared to Miller, Brodeur is well past his prime, and could very well be costing the Devils a playoff spot.” Reward – “Little.”

Mike Cammalleri: Risk – “Injuries.” Reward – “Despite playing for the Flames, who rank 26th in the NHL in goals per game (2.3), Cammalleri has 21 points in 41 games.”

Matt Moulson: Risk – Pessimists were right in that his goal scoring would decrease when not playing with John Tavares. Reward – “A team looking to bet that his shooting percentages will trend back to his career norms could end up with a steal at the deadline.”

Andrew MacDonald: Risk – “At even strength, the left-handed blueliner has been on the ice for 824 shot attempts against (team high) and the Islanders see just 43 percent of shots in their favor.” Reward – “There aren’t too many defensemen available who play more than 25 minutes per game, as MacDonald does.”